Auto Accident Injury in Butte, MT

Have you or a loved one recently been involved in an auto accident in Butte? The aftermath can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially.

Join us as we explore how to protect your interests and seek the compensation you deserve. We will empower you to make informed decisions and find local legal help.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Butte, Montana

According to the Montana Department of Transportation, auto accidents remain a significant concern for residents statewide. In 2020 alone, there were 22,072 reported crashes, resulting in 10,434 injuries and tragically claiming the lives of 186 individuals. These statistics underline the importance of understanding your rights and seeking legal help in Butte.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you must call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

You can request a copy of the accident report directly from the Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Department. Typically, this request happens in person or by contacting the department’s records division. Prepare to provide specific details about the accident, such as the date, time, and location.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

The average cost of injuries sustained in car accidents can vary widely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the economic cost of motor vehicle crashes in the United States exceeds $340 billion. This statistic includes medical expenses, lost productivity, property damage, and legal fees.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Montana

Liability Laws for Butte

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

In Montana, notable liability laws relevant to auto accidents include the “modified comparative fault” rule. It allows injured parties to seek compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, your fault cannot exceed 50% in Butte. 

Statute of Limitations in Butte

Each state has its tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while others may give you up to six years. 

In Butte, the statute of limitations to sue for an auto accident injury is generally three years. This period starts from the date of the accident.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Butte, MT

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Montana state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!